Around 80% of an estimated 15,000 teenagers in Ireland who are paid the sub-minimum wage ‘youth’ rate are students, reports The Irish News, citing research from the Low Pay Commission and carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). The study also found that three-quarters of teenagers who could legally be paid the sub-minimum wage rate are receiving higher pay. The minimum wage in Ireland is €11.30 per hour, but young workers can legally be paid the sub-minimum ‘youth rate’. Those aged below 18 can be paid 70% of the ‘full’ minimum wage rate, those aged 18 can be paid 80% of the full rate, while those aged 19 can be paid 90% of the full rate.

The study found that while all employees aged 15–19 could legally be paid the sub-minimum youth rate, just under a quarter are paid it, with the rest at a higher rate.

According to the research, one in every 140 employees, or around 15,000 people, earn a sub-minimum youth rate. The minimum wage will increase to €12.70 per hour from January 1 as part of Budget 2024, meaning the corresponding youth rates will also rise.